Lithium extraction from mining and mineral processing wastes

Due to increased demand on energy storage sector and limited worldwide reserves of lithium, sustainable andreliable sources of this critical metal are being sought. Mining and mineral-processing wastes remain one ofworld’s largest waste streams and proper management of these wastes provides multiple benefits – saving naturalresources, reducing supply risk and enhancing environmental performance. Therefore, in terms of their possibleuse as a cheap and available source of Li (and other valuable elements), the review paper evaluates variousmining, industrial and mineral-processing wastes – waste aluminosilicates (including B clays), bauxite processingresidues (including red mud or overhaul slag), coal gangue and coal ash, Sn-W clay residues and other wastes (e.g., rare earth molten salt electrolysis slag). The paper discusses physical, chemical and biotechnological methodsused for Li extraction from these materials and documents that efficient extraction is technically feasible. Toenhance the economic viability, co-extraction of Li and other critical elements (REE, Al, Rb, Cs, Ge, Ga, V, etc.) isevaluated as well. In addition to technologic and economic implications, overall framing of Li extraction fromsecondary sources in the context of environmental and social sustainability is discussed as well.